310 
JOUR^^AL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 
September  24,  1896. 
able  glass  sashes,  slanting  from  the  top  of  the  wall  to  a  short  distance 
from  the  ground.  Under  this  protection  the  crop  is  a  heavy  one,  and  the 
fruit  fine  and  well  ripened,  The  varieties  of  Peaches  are  Stirling 
Castle,  Walburton  Admirable,  and  Barrington ;  and  of  Nectarines, 
Pitmaston  Orange  and  Elruge.  Together  they  occupy  about  90  linear 
feet  of  wall  space.  On  the  same  wall,  but  without  any  protection  what¬ 
ever,  are  Royal  George,  Hale’s  Early,  Crimson  Galande,  and  Rivers’ 
Early  York  Peaches  bearing  crops  equal  to  those  that  are  protected  with 
the  lights,  but  not  quite  so  advanced.  They  will  be  valuable  for  a 
succession. 
The  number,  quality,  and  size  of  these  outdoor  fruits  would  do  credit 
to  any  grower  who  cultivates  wholly  under  glass,  but  for  an  outside  crop 
in  this  district  they  deserve  all  praise.  The  remainder  of  the  wall  space 
is  devoted  to  Apricots — of  which  there  has  been  a  good  supply — Plums, 
most  of  which  had  been  gathered  before  my  visit,  and  Pears.  Of  the 
latter.  Jargonelle,  Williams’  Bon  ChiAtien,  Beurr4  d’Amanlis,  Marie 
Losise,  Thompson’s,  Doyenn^  du  Comice,  Seckle,  Beuri^  d’Aremberg, 
Winter  Nells,  Josephine  de  Malines,  Brown  Beuri(5,  Uvedale’s  Sc. 
Germain,  Duchesse  d’Angoulfime  and  Be  urr6  Diel,are  the  varieties  grown, 
and  have  yielded  a  good  crop.  Several  young  specimens  of  Morelio 
Cherries  had  produced  a  good  supply  of  ripe  fruit.  I  also  noticed  a  small 
Fig  tree  that  was  bearing  well,  some  of  the  Figs  were  fast  ripening. 
In  another  portion  of  the  gardens  are  several  small  Plum  trees  trained 
on  the  horizontal  system.  *  They  were  planted  two  years  ago,  and  have 
now  large  clusters  of  fruit  on  them.  The  variety  is  Transparent  Gage. 
Near  to  these,  but  on  a  south-west  wall.  Tomatoes  are  growing  in 
abundance  ;  not  small,  partially  ripened  as  might  be  expected,  but  large, 
•mooth,  well-ripened  fruit,  and  plenty  of  it.  The  plants  were  raised  in 
6-inch  pots,  and  planted  out  as  soon  as  it  was  safe  to  put  them  outside. 
By  the  end  of  July  fruit  was  gathered  from  these  plants,  less  than  two 
months  from  planting  out.  The  varieties  are  Sutton’s  Earliest  of  All 
and  Sutton  8  Magnum  Bonum.  The  former  has  done  the  best,  but  it  is 
not  so  large  as  the  latter.  At  the  time  of  my  visit  there  were  a  large 
number  of  fruits  that  were  fit  for  gatheiing. 
Goosebeiries,  Currants,  and  Raspberries  have  done  very  well  this 
season.  The  Rasp  canes  are  very  strong  and  healthy.  The  variety  is 
Superlative,  and  produces  here  very  fine  fruit,  much  above  the  size  of 
Easps  in  gen  eral .  The  usual  vegetable  s  necessary  for  a  gentleman’s  cuisine 
are  well  represented.  Several  rows  of  Scarlet  Runners  were  loaded  down 
to  the  ground  with  fine  pods.  Several  good  rows  of  Celery,  Grove  Red  and 
Grove  White,  are  growing  apace.  Great  care  is  taken  to  keep  these  two 
old  favourite  varieties  true,  as  these  are  the  gardens  where  they  were 
raised,  hence  the  names  “  Grove”  Red  and  “  Grove”  White.  Only  one 
of  these  is  ever  allowed  to  seed  in  one  season.  The  Asparagus  beds  are 
very  old,  and  are  believed  to  have  been  made  when  the  Hall  was  built, 
but  they  are  extremely  vigorous,  and  produce  year  by  year  a  very 
excellent  supply  of  fine  edible  shoots. 
Roses,  Cactus  Dahlias,  and  a  good  variety  of  herbaceous  plants 
occupy  one  side  of  the  paths  in  the  kitchen  garden.  Some  very  fine 
Zinnias  and  stately  Hollyhocks  were  very  attractive,  but  the  most 
conspicuous  objects  were  one  or  two  giant  specimens  of  Sunflowers,  the 
foliage  very  large  and  strong.  An  idea  of  their  size  may  be  gained  by 
the  fact  that  on  a  very  recent  occasion  one  of  the  boy  assistants  in  the 
garden  sought  shelter  under  one  of  them  during  a  very  heavy  shower  of 
rain. 
The  Vihekies 
contain  a  very  heavy  crop  of  fine  Grapes  of  the  following  varieties  : — 
Black  Frontignan,  Black  Hamburgh,  Victoria  Hamburgh,  Black  Cham¬ 
pion  Hamburgh,  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Buckland  Sweetwater,  Gros 
Colman,  and  Barbarossa  (Gros  Guillaume).  Some  of  the  Vines  are  very 
old  ;  it  is  thought  they  were  also  planted  about  the  time  the  Hall  was 
erected.  Two  of  the  old  Vines  (Barbarossa)  are  carrying  thirty-five  and 
tvrenty-seven  large  bunches  of  fine  Grapes  respectively.  All  the  Vines 
are  heavily  cropped,  the  bunches  being  good  and  the  berries  fine.  They 
are  well  coloured  and  possess  good  bloom.  The  berries  on  the  Black 
Hamburgh  are  remarkably  large,  reminding  one  of  the  berries  of  Gros 
Colman.  The  foliage  is  fine,  fresh,  and  very  firm,  the  wood  clean  and 
healthy,  speaking  of  great  vigour  and  of  careful  attention  to  every 
detail. 
Flowers  are  not  extensively  grown  here,  but  there  is  a  nice  collection 
of  a  general  character  in  good  health  and  condition,  including  some  well- 
coloured  Crotons  and  a  nice  batch  of  double  and  single  seedling  Begonias. 
A  batch  of  Chrysanthemums  in  po'^s  outside  are  being  prepared  for 
their  blooming  quarters.  They  are  very  healthy,  clean,  and  vigorous, 
and  will  make  a  very  good  display  in  due  course.  The  bedding  out  of 
summer  flowers  is  not  extensive,  but  there  are  some  beds  and  borders 
filled  with  a  very  nice  selection  of  plants  that  are  blooming  very  well 
except  in  one  or  two  positions  where  the  wind  blows  the  flower  off  the 
plants,  particularly  the  petals  of  the  “  Geranium.”  Many  of  these  plants 
had  to  undergo  the  ordeal  mentioned  in  the  earlier  portion  of  my 
remarks.  On  the  lawn  are  a  few  clumps  of  Tritoma,  well  stocked  with 
flower  spikes,  and  a  few  of  Pampas  Grass  that  will  show  its  feathery 
plumes  later  in  the  season. 
Mr.  T.  Welch  is  the  head  gardener,  and  he  is  to  be  congratulated 
upon  the  abundance  and  excellence  of  the  crops  under  his  care.  The 
quality,  health,  vigour,  and  cleanliness  of  everything  thoroughly  proves 
his  ability  and  skill  as  a  high  class  gardener.  His  good  nature  and 
geniality  as  he  shows  you  over  his  grounds,  and  his  kindness  in  answer¬ 
ing  the  numerous  questions  put  to  him — he  never  seems  tired  of  imparting 
information — makes  a  visit  to  these  gardens  both  very  pleasant  and 
instructive, — J.  H,  S, 
1^^ 
WOKK.f’oJl’rHE  WEEK. ' 
HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 
Pruning  Apricots,  Peaches  and  Nectarines. — One  of  the  most 
favourable  opportunities  for  general  pruning  of  these  fruits  is  at  the 
present  time,  because  in  nearly  every  case  the  crop  has  been  gathered. 
When  managed  on  the  sound  system  of  retaining  a  reasonable  quantity 
of  current  year’s  shoots,  and  these  have  been  laid  in  close  to  the  wall 
or  fence  during  the  previous  month  or  two,  it  will  be  apparent  that 
the  trees  are,  and  may  continue  to  be,  somewhat  crowded,  if  the  old 
bearing  wood  or  the  shoots  that  have  carried  the  present  year’s  crop  are 
allowed  to  remain.  When  the  fruit  has  been  removed  cut  out  the 
shoots  to  the  point  below  which  the  new  shoot  springs,  allowing  the 
latter  to  take  the  place  of  the  shoot  removed.  Many  of  them  need  no 
manipulation  whatever,  supposing  they  have  previously  been  carefully 
trained  in  ;  others  may  require  a  little  alteration  in  position  so  as  to 
properly  fill  the  space.  A  twofold  object  is  sought  to  be  gained.  First, 
the  proper  regulation  and  furnishing  of  the  trees  with  wood  of  medium 
strength.  Second,  the  disposal  of  it  in  such  a  manner  that  the  leaves 
may  receive  all  the  benefits  of  abundant  light  and  air,  elements  equal 
in  importance  with  the  nourishment  received  from  the  roots. 
Insect  pests,  if  present  on  the  wood  or  foliage,  ought  to  be  extirpated,. 
They  hinder  to  a  large  extent  the  processes  of  growth,  and  prevent  the 
due  concentration  of  stored  up  substances  in  the  buds  by  which  fruit¬ 
fulness  is  insured  for  the  following  year.  Syringing  with  clear  water^ 
or,  if  necessary,  with  some  eflEective  insecticide,  are  the  means  employed 
for  rendering  the  trees  clean. 
Lifting  Young  Trees. — Comparatively  young  Peach,  Apricot,  or 
Nectarine  trees  that  are  making  gross  and  vigorous  shoots,  having  leaves 
of  a  large  size  and  dark  hue,  clearly  show  that  the  root  action  is  too 
powerful.  Strong  roots  are  in  such  cases  probably  descending  into  the 
subsoil.  It  is  important  that  a  check  to  them  be  afforded,  a  check 
which  can  best  be  given  before  the  leaves  begin  to  fall.  Although  thia 
is  desirable  it  must  be  judiciously  carried  out.  Dig  out  a  trench  about 
3  feet  from  the  bole  of  the  trees,  cutting  cleanly  off  on  the  inside  of  the 
trench  the  whole  of  the  roots  met  with  of  a  strong  character.  By  this 
time  the  tree  may  be  bodily  lifted  with  plenty  of  soil  attached  ;  but  if 
this  cannot  be  done  then  there  are  roots  growing  straight  downwards. 
In  order  to  reach  these  undermine  the  ball  and  sever  all  the  thick  roots 
found,  after  which  the  ball  of  roots  may  be  raised  to  a  slightly  higher 
position,  making  the  soil  firm  below.  The  result  of  shortening  the 
strong  roots  will  be  that  roots  of  a  weaker  character  branch  from  the 
portions  remaining.  These  have  a  tendency  to  become  fibrous,  while 
those  already  so  multiply  their  fibres. 
Before  filling  in  the  soil  again  round  the  roots  cut  the  broken  ends 
smoothly,  mutilated  or  injured  roots  allowed  to  remain  in  that  condition 
proving  inimical  to  the  healthy  progress  of  growth.  The  soil  as  returned 
to  the  trench  should  be  made  as  firm  as  formerly,  mulching  the  ground 
with  decayed  manure.  Syringe  and  shade  in  bright  weather.  Oarry 
out  the  work  expeditiously,  so  that  the  roots  are  not  unduly  exposed  to 
drying  influences,  thereby  causing  a  serious  flagging  of  the  foliage. 
With  older  trees  that  may  be  too  large  root-pruning  without  the 
lifting  will  be  safer,  but  as  a  rule  when  trees  assume  a  bearing  habit 
root  restriction  is  not  necessary. 
Cleaning'  Fruit  Kooms. — The  fruit  room  ought  always  to  be 
thoroughly  cleansed  once  a  year,  the  best  time  being  just  previously  to 
the  general  gathering  of  Apples  and  Pears.  The  sweetest  dressing  for 
the  walls  is  limewash.  The  woodwork  should  be  well  scoured  ;  after¬ 
wards  thoroughly  ventilate  until  dry. 
Gathering  Pears. — The  earliest  indications  of  the  green  fruits 
changing  to  yellow  tints  is  an  excellent  test  of  fitness  to  gather,  and  is 
mostly  applicable  to  early  varieties.  Another  test  is  the  dark  colour 
of  the  pips  or  seeds  when  a  fruit  is  cut  open,  but  probably  the  easiest 
test  is  when  the  fruits  detach  themselves  readily  from  the  spurs  on 
being  lifted.  Always  gather  when  the  fruit  and  trees  are  dry.  Special 
attention  is  requisite  in  gathering  Pears,  because  it  does  not  answer  to 
gather  too  soon  or  defer  too  late.  As  a  rule  the  whole  of  the  fruit  on 
a  tree  cannot  be  picked  at  once.  Some  will  be  more  forward  than 
others,  and  these  must  be  gathered  first,  by  which  means  the  season 
will  be  prolonged. 
Gathering  Apples. — Similar  rules  apply  to  Apples.  Gather  as 
near  as  possiole  to  the  natural  time  of  ripening.  If  taken  from  the 
trees  too  early  the  fruit  is  liable  to  shrivel,  owing  to  the  rapid  evapora¬ 
tion  taking  place  causing  the  flesh  to  shrink.  If  left  too  long  the  best 
fruits  are  liable  to  fall,  whereby  their  keeping  qualities  are  impaired. 
Take  every  favourable  opportunity  of  securing  the  best  fruits.  That 
which  is  grub-eaten  and  falls  prematurely  should  be  regularly  picked 
up  so  as  to  prevent  the  larva  escaping.  Such  fruits  are  not  suitable 
for  long  storage,  but  will  do  for  present  use,  the  worst,  however,  being 
given  to  pigs  or  buried  deeply  in  the  ground. 
FRUIT  FORCING. 
Melons. — In  Houses. — As  the  days  are  shortening  rapidly,  and  the 
moisture  increases,  it  is  necessary  to  exercise  care  and  j'udgment  in. 
watering,  never  doing  it  unnecessarily  ;  but  the  latest  plants  with  fruit 
